The Blackhawks No. 2 overall selection has a major change of plans reported

With the 2024 NHL Entry Draft just around the corner, the Chicago Blackhawks are gearing up for what promises to be another crucial phase in their ongoing rebuild.

Under the guidance of GM Kyle Davidson, the team seems to have a clear strategy in place for their high-profile selection, holding the 2nd overall pick.

Recent insights from Scott Wheeler on The Athletic's Podcast, where he joined forces with Corey Pronman, Max Bultman, and Scott Peters, reveal a strong inclination towards selecting Belarussian defenseman Artyom Levshunov.

This choice is purportedly favored over Ivan Demidov, aligning more closely with the team's current needs.

According to Wheeler, the decision leans significantly towards Levshunov, sparking discussions about the Blackhawks' strategic approach to the draft.

The debate over Lindstrom and Fantilli highlights the team's broader draft strategy, suggesting that some key prospects like Cayden Lindstrom might not be in their immediate plans, as rumors suggest he could fall to the #4 or #5 spot, potentially being picked up by either the Montreal Canadiens or the Columbus Blue Jackets.

While the Blackhawks are focused on Levshunov, it's also noted that choosing Demidov is becoming increasingly unlikely.

This selection process is just a part of the Blackhawks' broader strategy, as they possess more than one first-round pick, giving them additional leverage and options in shaping the future roster.

This strategic draft positioning underscores the Blackhawks' commitment to rebuilding a competitive team, indicating that their plans for this year's draft could significantly influence their trajectory in the coming seasons.

As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Davidson and his team to see how their decisions unfold on the draft floor.